Starting the nursing program

Becoming a nurse has been my dream since grade 11. I can't really describe one pivotal moment that pushed me towards this profession, it just simply felt like the right place for me. I love taking care of people and I really want to make a positive difference in people's lives. Therefore, I was very excited when I received my acceptance letter for the nursing program at University of Ontario Institute of Technology and even more enthused of starting classes in September. I really had no idea of what It would be like, I simply had been told by my family, friends and work colleagues that it was a tough program with a lot of work. When it first started I was very overwhelmed with all the assignments I would have to do for each class throughout the semester and that I was being told about clinical next semester already. I was just getting so nervous that I wouldn't be able to do it all. There was so much reading to be done and reflection papers, as well as group presentations. However, the teachers were really great, they were approachable and understanding and that really helped me feel more comfortable and at ease most of the time. The people I met in the program also helped me through the constant stress and shock of all the work that had to be done and pushed me to just do assignments and study, even at times when I really didn't feel doing anything.

(Three Rivers Community College, 2002)